§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the(a) requirement and (b) strength of pilots for (i) the Sea Harrier and (ii) the GR7 is; and what his strategy is for meeting the requirement. [115100]
§ Dr. MoonieThe position as at 21 May 2003 is set out in the following table:
Aircraft Requirement Strength Sea harrier 172 52 Harrier GR7 269 61 1 The Sea Harrier pilot requirement includes cockpit and career broadening appointments in the Royal Navy, plus an appropriate training margin. Both front line squadrons are fully manned and are forecast to remain so for the foreseeable future. 2 The Harrier GR7 requirement comprises all wing commander, squadron leader and junior officer posts on front line squadrons, operational conversion units, operational evaluation units and wing appointments. In addition to established flying posts, fast jet pilots are required for instructional duties within the RAFs flying training system, overseas exchange posts, the RAF Aerobatics Team and a number of ground duties shared by the Flying Branch. The number of qualified RAF and RN pilots is expected to increase through successful training and positive retention incentives for existing aircrew including Financial Retention Incentives and the introduction of the Professional Aviator Pay spine. All front line fast jet squadrons are fully manned with gaps borne in training units.